Glaucoma care
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of permanent blindness in the U.S. It is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve causing an irreversible loss of peripheral vision. There are different types of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma being the most common form results from an increase in eye pressure which causes damage to the optic nerve. Dr. Kaur at Bonney Lake Family Eye Care is trained to diagnose and treat glaucoma.
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Risk Factors For Glaucoma Include:
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Increased age
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Family history of glaucoma
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African Americans over the age of 40
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Hispanics over the age of 60
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Physical injury to the eye
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Thinner corneas
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Chronic eye inflammation
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Medications that increase eye pressure
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How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Since there are no symptoms of glaucoma until the advanced stage, glaucoma can only be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. During an annual eye exam, Dr. Kaur screens every patient for risk factors for glaucoma. If there are enough risk factors, additional tests can help in diagnosis.
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Glaucoma Testing Includes:
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Visual Acuity – to determine if vision is affected. Vision is only affected in more advanced cases of glaucoma
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Tonometry – to check eye pressure
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Pachymetry – measures corneal thickness
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Visual Field Testing – to check peripheral vision loss
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Evaluation of Optic Nerve – which may include photos or scans of the optic nerve
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Gonioscopy – to look at structures where eye fluid drainage occurs
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How Is Glaucoma Treated?
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There is no cure for glaucoma and cannot be prevented. But if it is diagnosed and treated early, it can usually be controlled. Medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. Glaucoma treatment is aimed at lowering eye pressure. There are a number of eye drops that can help lower the eye pressure and keep glaucoma from progressing. Once diagnosed with glaucoma, patients need to continue eye drops for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Kaur is a residency and fellowship-trained doctor to diagnose and manage glaucoma. If you have a family history of glaucoma or been told that you are at risk for developing glaucoma, call us to make an appointment to schedule a consultation.
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